Trillingsinterventies

Trillingsinterventies are strategies and measures aimed at reducing the adverse effects of mechanical vibrations, either on people or on devices and structures. The term is commonly used in occupational health, ergonomics, and product design in Dutch-speaking contexts. The central goal is to prevent vibration-related health problems, such as hand–arm vibration syndrome, and to limit wear, damage, and operational risk in equipment and processes.

Interventions can be grouped into engineering controls (altering the source or transmission path of vibrations), administrative controls (work planning and exposure management), personal protective equipment, and design-oriented approaches.

Engineering controls include using vibration-damping materials, isolators, better tool design, and maintenance that reduces vibration levels. Administrative controls cover limiting exposure time, rotating tasks, scheduling maintenance, and enforcing safe operating procedures. Personal protective equipment includes dampening gloves and tool grips, though effectiveness varies and gloves do not eliminate all vibration transmission. Design-oriented approaches focus on reducing vibration at the source, improving measurement and certification procedures, and applying standards during development.

Assessment and monitoring involve measuring vibration exposure with established standards, evaluating daily exposure, and tracking health indicators in workers. Evidence shows that lowering exposure reduces risk, but effectiveness depends on task variability, equipment condition, and compliance with procedures. Barriers include cost, worker acceptance, and the need for ongoing maintenance and training.

See also: Hand-arm vibration syndrome, Whole-body vibration, Vibration exposure standards.